Woman of the Year

Dear Friend, 

In this month's update, I would like to introduce you to a very special member of our A Chance In Life community. On behalf of our staff and board, I am delighted to announce that Tami Erwin, Executive Vice President and CEO of Verizon Business, will be honored as Woman of the Year at our 76th New York Annual Gala. We hope you all will save the date for September 22, 2021 and plan to join us at Cipriani 25 Broadway in New York to honor Tami and celebrate our young people around the world. 

After the past year of extreme challenges in schools and the proven need for technology in education, we are especially honored to have Tami as a representative of our work and mission. As a leader in the technology industry and a longtime advocate for girls and women, we know she will bring her expertise and passion to the role of Woman of the Year and serve as an inspiration for the youth in our programs. ​

Tami Erwin is executive vice president and CEO of Verizon Business, a global leader in 5G technology serving 97% of Fortune 500 companies. She is widely recognized for her strategic impact, marketing and operations focus, technical savvy and passion for people.

As CEO of Verizon Business, a $30B+ business with over 26,000 employees that would be among the Fortune 100 if it was a separate entity, she and her team help businesses, governments and communities reimagine their employee, supply chain and end-customer experiences. As the shift to digital accelerates, Verizon Business is paving the way into a new 5G era of technology-led disruption and innovation.

Tami leads by example in advocating for equality, inclusion and accessibility for all. She is passionate about technology’s role in improving the ways that we live, learn, work and play and is a leader on the importance of responsible business.
 
Personally, she has a long history of championing engagement and development programs that help women and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) grow their skills and networks. She’s the proud advisor of Verizon’s Veterans employee resource group that provides programs and resources to our more than 10,0000 veterans, active reservists and military families, and carries a passion for the impact of STEAM education on changing the trajectory of people’s lives.

As the gala approaches, I look forward to sharing the many ways you can support and participate in the celebration, both virtually and in person. In the meantime, I hope you will mark your calendars for September 22 and get ready for an evening of celebrating our esteemed honoree, supporting our young people and toasting to the opening of our first US-based program!

A presto,

Gabriele Delmonaco
President and Executive Director